Can a cockatiel eat peanuts?

Anansi said:

Personally, I stay away from peanuts for my flock in general. This is because peanuts are sometimes contaminated with aflatoxin, which is a fungal toxin given off by the fungus aspergillus that can lead to liver damage and aspergillosis, which is a stubborn fungal respiratory infection that can lead to death.

Several parronts have pointed out to me that they've been feeding peanuts to their birds for years to no ill effect. This is true for many birds. Yet, the danger does exist. So I just don't take the chance!
Roasted peanuts mitigates the danger somewhat, but even that doesn't eliminate it entirely. And peanuts in the shell, while a great natural foraging treat, are the biggest offenders. Simply because the shell is even more likely to be infected with these aflatoxins.

So my opinion? Better safe than sorry and eliminate peanuts from her diet altogether. Cashews are a great alternative. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are great, too.

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